Time to kick back and relax in depths of forest

There are areas of the UK many people travel through regularly but never get to know. They are just on a route from A to B and don't really register.

And one such area for me was the Forest of Dean, I am ashamed to admit.

When my son was at university in Bristol I regularly drove down with car loads of his gear at the start and end of terms and in between to buy him the occasional slap-up meal or fill his freezer! And that route took me right through the Forest of Dean. I often thought about stopping – the magnificent ruins of Tintern Abbey in particular tempted me but there was never enough time.

Then I recently took the opportunity to stay right in the depths of the forest and explore just how much this area has to offer – and it has a wealth.

My home for a long weekend was an away from it all lodge at Whitemead Forest Park, ideal for a fun-filled family holiday or a peaceful escape for two. My stay was in the latter category and I have to say that although the park offers a great deal it was very peaceful and was a great spot to unwind.

Whether you want to stay as a large group or a smaller party, Whitemead Forest Park has a wide range of accommodation located in prime positions beside the ponds, or nestled in clearings among mature trees, from cosy log cabins and woodland lodges to spacious apartments and a private bungalow – all fully equipped for year-round comfort.

With units sleeping up to eight people, Whitemead Forest Park makes for the ideal setting to enjoy time out with family and friends. Log cabins and woodland lodges each have private verandas with outside furniture, and all accommodation has fully equipped kitchens, cosy lounge areas and beds made up on arrival. Pets are also welcome in selected properties.

My lodge was well furnished and spacious with two bedrooms and two bathrooms – a must when holidaying with a family. It was also next to one of the pools and had a spacious veranda.

The park's detached log cabins are nestled in their own quiet spot of forest and offer a real home-from-home with excellent self-catering facilities, meaning you're sure to leave Whitemead feeling refreshed and relaxed.

For those who really want to be close with nature, over 110 caravan and camping pitches combine beautiful surroundings with fantastic facilities.

There are many facilities for guests to enjoy, including a free indoor swimming pool, jacuzzis and sauna. Guests can also join in with some great activities and entertainment, or enjoy the family friendly restaurant (featuring a take away service which I used on two evenings and could not fault except for the huge size of portions) and cosy bar area. On top of that the staff were excellent. Real customer service.

Outside the park the forest has so much to explore and I enjoyed just a taste. If you fancy a cookery lesson try Harts Barn Cookery School at Longhope.

Harts Barn Cookery School is all about 'Cooking for all' from Banquets to Basics. It is set on an awe inspiring site dating back to 1068 where they view cooking as an essential life skill – their ethos of 'Cooking For All' means that the school offers classes that are accessible, affordable, give confidence and are lots of fun. All classes offer a hands-on element and focus on gaining practical skills and knowledge.

I also went along to Tintern Abbey, at last, many years after a visit as a schoolgirl.

This area of outstanding beauty is complemented by this outstanding beauty in stone. If only the walls could talk! The chants of countless monks echo through the masonry here. Despite the shell of this grand structure being open to the skies, it remains the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales. Although the abbey church was rebuilt under the patronage of Roger Bigod, lord of nearby Chepstow Castle, in the late 13th century, the monastery retains its original design.

Nearby Tintern Old Station has three railway carriages on site. Two new carriages arrived in early 2010 and these contain a souvenir and gift shop,a Destination Wye Valley exhibition area with information about the heritage of the Wye Valley,that will interest all the family a tourist information point, and a meeting room. The third smaller carriage houses railway memorabilia and a work in progress scale model of the station from the 1930's. Visitors can sit and relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery, wander along a relaxing one mile circular walk around the site passing along the riverbank, before visiting the Circle of Legends.

If you fancy a walk and some art go to the Sculpture Trail at Coleford.

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail was established in 1986, thanks in large part to the shared vision of Martin Orrom, then Forestry and Environment Officer for the Forestry Commission, Jeremy Rees, the founding director of the Arnolfini gallery in Bristol and Rupert Martin, Curator at the Arnolfini. The original commissions, collectively titled Stand and Stare, came out of the land art movement, in which landscape and the works of art were seen as inextricably connected.

And for first class food, ambiance and a warm welcome try the restaurant at Wilton Court Hotel in Ross-on-Wye. Run by husband and wife Roger and Helen Wynn for the past 15 years, it is down by the River Wye with lovely bars and a light and airy dining room where I enjoyed one of the best lunches I have had in a long time. The Wilton prides itself on using the finest local produce and that is reflected in the standard and quality of the dishes. My lunch featured a melt-in-the-mouth smoked chicken, pesto and red pepper tart followed by perfectly pin roast beef. Two courses on a Sunday are just £16.95 and three £18.95. A bargain.

There are several vineyards in the area and I also finally managed a visit to one I had passed on the roadside during all those trips to Bristol - Parva Farm Vineyard, also at Tintern, a privately owned and run vineyard in the village of Tintern, South Wales.The vineyard produces award-winning wines, meads and sparkling wines for all occasionsby its owners, Judith and Colin Dudley. The farm is open year-round for visiting - drop by and enjoy a tour of the vineyard and a chance to try the range of Welsh wine.

Now I'm kicking myself for not having stopped off during one of my many trips through.

Whitemead Forest Park has log cabins, woodland lodges and apartments that sleep up to eight people. Facilities include a free indoor swimming pool, jacuzzis and sauna. Activities, entertainment and a family friendly restaurant with take away service and cosy bar area are also on site. For further information visit whitemead.co.uk or call 03301 230 374.

Wilton Court Hotel, Ross-on-Wye, call 01989 562 569 or visit wiltoncourthotel.com/@Wilton courtfacebook.com/Wilton Court